Among several modifications to the Wallabies lineup, the most striking change is the selection of Radike Samo on the wing for their final match in Pool C of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Russia.
After a series of injuries that impacted the Wallabies backline, Queensland Reds backrower Samo ended last week’s match against the United States, which concluded with a score of 67-5, playing as a winger where he managed to score a try.
Coach Robbie Deans is providing him another opportunity to excel in this position as he rearranges his squad for the final pool match in Nelson.
Only two backs and four forwards are kept in their starting spots from the team that faced the United States last Friday night.
Winger Drew Mitchell and fly-half Quade Cooper will continue in the backline.
James O’Connor, returning from a hamstring injury, will take the fullback position, while Samo is back on the wing, a position he played upon his arrival in Australia in the late 1990s with the Canberra Vikings.
Adam Ashley-Cooper shifts from wing to centre, joining Berrick Barnes in the midfield as a reward for his impressive performance off the bench in Wellington.
Luke Burgess, the scrum half, will be making his first start of the tournament, and with last week’s captain Will Genia and third-choice Nick Phipps also named on the bench, all three halfbacks are likely to get a chance to play. Returning to the team are skipper and lock James Horwill and loose forward Scott Higginbotham, who both sat out last week, along with flanker David Pocock, who will play for the first time since Australia’s opening match of the tournament.
Pocock’s return shifts his Western Force teammate Ben McCalman from the side of the scrum to the No.8 position.
All three hookers are included: Stephen Moore will be starting while Tatafu Polota Nau and Saia Fainga’a will come off the bench.
Deans is confident that the combination chosen for the weekend is capable of delivering the results needed to secure Australia’s spot in the next phase of the competition.
“While there are numerous scenarios concerning our potential finish, winning remains our top priority,” said Deans.
“No one in our group is contemplating anything beyond this match.
“The Russian team won’t pose an easy challenge. They will be eager to play against a top-tier nation and aim for a strong finish in their inaugural Rugby World Cup. They have been competitive in their previous three matches, even scoring two tries against Ireland.”
He emphasized that the inclusion of all three squad halfbacks and all three hookers was a direct result of the team’s current injury challenges, much like Samo’s position on the wing.
“We have had to think outside the box, but it has never been solely about the jersey number,” he noted.
“The players understand their roles.
“Though some might find themselves playing out of their usual positions, they will not disappoint us and will embrace the opportunity. That was evident last week with Radike and Tatafu during the match with the United States.”
A win that secures a bonus point will push Australia into the Rugby World Cup 2011 quarter-finals. However, unless Italy defeats Ireland in Dunedin on Sunday, the Wallabies will most likely finish as Pool C runners-up.
In a scenario where both Australia and Italy earn bonus-point victories and are tied on the final standings, Australia will advance as the top qualifier from the pool due to their earlier 32-6 victory over Italy.
Wallabies Team To Play Russia
- James O’Connor
- Radike Samo
- Adam Ashley-Cooper
- Berrick Barnes
- Drew Mitchell
- Quade Cooper
- Luke Burgess
- Ben McCalman
- David Pocock
- Scott Higginbotham
- Nathan Sharpe
- James Horwill (captain)
- Sekope Kepu
- Stephen Moore
- James Slipper
Replacements
- Tatafu Polota Nau
- Saia Fainga’a
- Salesi Ma’afu
- Rob Simmons
- Rocky Elsom
- Will Genia
- Nick Phipps
by Buford Balony